Cotton Town Bikes in Bolton Road, Darwen, offers everything from a dedicated repair workshop to courses and support for new and existing cyclists.
The initiative is the brainchild of Blackburn-based firefighter Lee Cameron who works for Lancashire Fire and Rescue.
Lee, who has a background in technical rescue instruction, recently founded Cotton Town Bikes and Cotton Town Training.
Cotton Town Bikes is described as an ‘innovative cycle company’ located in the heart of the West Pennine Moors which also offers a professional training arm to both the public, commercial and outdoor sectors.
The married father-of-three, said: “The aim is to offer a range of services to help keep you and your bike moving. We have a professional workshop, training centre, guided rides and offer event support.”
Lee said he decided to open the shop after his wife started to get fed-up of him repairing bikes in the kitchen!
He added: “It got to the point where just didn’t have the space, and I was getting into trouble with my wife! I asked my friend if I could use the shop in Darwen, he said yes and it has grown from there.
“I have always had an entrepreneurial streak and am fortunate that I am able to balance a successful career in the emergency services and engage my passion for cycling and the outdoors.”
Cycling is a great and cost-effective way to improve health and wellbeing whilst also offering families the opportunity to get out together and encourage active travel.
The Council’s Connect project, set-up to promote sustainable transport in the borough, is supporting the initiative.
Councillor Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said:
“Encouraging more people to get out on their bikes is a key priority to help reduce congestion on our borough’s roads whilst also helping people to become more active, fitter and feel better.
“We have seen a real growth in cycling in our Borough recently and we welcomed the news recently that secured funding to start work on the Weavers Wheel strategic cycle network. This will help not only make cycling fun and accessible to all, but provide us with a fantastic tourist attraction that will truly put us on the map.
“We also have the benefit of Witton Park Community Cycle Club which is now affiliated to British Cycling and is attracting people from all over the county. All of this is providing a real boost for our area.”
Cotton Town Bikes, which is a CTC (the national cycling charity) accredited training venue offers a full range of maintenance courses.
They also sponsor Blackburn-based ironman triathlete Brain Fogarty.
To book a repair, course or to get advice contact Cotton Town Bikes via Facebook or Twitter: @cottontownbikes or by visiting: www.cottontownbikes.co.uk